Pacific Northwest Weather Shift: Cooler, Wetter Days Ahead This Week

The Pacific Northwest is headed for a shift in the weather pattern that will bring cooler, wetter conditions through the end of the month.

From Wednesday to Saturday, anticipate cooler, wetter weather as high pressure shifts east and a series of Pacific fronts make their way inland. Coastal areas may experience some drizzle by Wednesday morning, with the onset of rain likely in inland areas by Wednesday night into Thursday.

By Thursday night, a more robust storm system is set to hit the coast, potentially bringing snow to the Cascade passes and ushering in a period of unsettled weather. Expected rain totals through Saturday range from 0.50 to 1 inch in the lowlands, with up to 2 inches possible in the mountain areas.

As colder air moves in behind this system, snow levels are projected to drop to 3,000-4,000 feet at the passes by early Friday, and higher elevations could see several inches of snow. Cooler temperatures and rain showers will prevail across the lowlands, accompanied by a slight chance of thunderstorms.

In lower elevation metro areas like Portland, Ore., and Seattle, Wash., temperatures are likely to remain in the 50s, with the likelihood of temperatures exceeding 60°F diminishing by Thursday. Classic Pacific Northwest weather is upon us—time to swap your sunglasses for raincoats!